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Microbiology

Our Microbiology (MIC) concentration is focused on studying viruses such as influenza, hepatitis C, dengue, West Nile, HIV, Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, cytomegalovirus, and others. We also investigate the host responses to these viruses and other pathogens.

MIC is a multidisciplinary training area (MTA) in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. It is ideal for those who would like to obtain a graduate degree in the field of virology and virus-host interactions. If you are a postdoctoral fellow, you are also welcome to apply to this concentration.

Microbiology studies are directed at understanding how the innate immune system of the infected host is counteracted by components of these viruses and how innate immunity pathways, such as the type I interferon system work at a molecular level. We are interested in genetic and epigenetics factors influencing infection outcome as well. Our researchers use this knowledge to develop new vaccines against these viruses and work to identify small molecule compounds for use as antivirals, among other translational applications.

Our curriculum provides comprehensive training in the field of Microbiology, with special focus on virology and virus-host interactions. As a student in the Microbiology MTA, you are are also encouraged to take additional advanced courses offered by other training areas that best fit your research project.

Scholars come together from diverse personal and academic backgrounds to immerse themselves in the bioscience and research of microbiology and to explore its potential applications to translational medicine.

Within and beyond our labs, the learning environment in the Microbiology MTA is one of inquiry, intellectual pursuit, exacting scientific process, and team collaboration. At the same time, we foster personalized learning in which you take control of your own learning process, along with our guidance and support.